Special Edition: SF 4th of July Fireworks Guide

Posted by Angela Tsay on May 10, 2016

This week we’re getting ready for the Fillmore Jazz Festival and looking forward to some added July 4th festivities in one of our favorite cities! After a full day of food, art, and jazz, our top priority for the evening is finding the perfect spot to watch the fireworks (please be kind, Karl the Fog!). There are so many options that we put together a round up of some of our favorite vistas to watch from.

Treasure Island — Perhaps one of the best views the Bay has to offer, fireworks viewing at Treasure Island will be an eventful alternative to the super crowded and tourist filled Fisherman’s Wharf. Traffic on the bridge will not be for the faint of heart. Pro tip: leave early and spend some time exploring the old military barracks leading up to the show.

Mission Dolores Park — One of the more popular sites to view the festivities, DP will be filled to the brim with friends and families looking to check out the view of the fireworks over downtown and the Bay. Pro tip: it will be crowded and space will be at a premium, so be sure to plan to walk, bike, or hit public transit as a means of getting around.

Coit Tower — Though you won’t be able to get up in the tower, the view from the mini parking lot and surround area is TDF. Be prepared to get creative with parking and walk a little bit (the parking lot is very small), but the view of the fireworks over the Bay will definitely be worth it.

Twin Peaks — A popular view on most days in San Francisco, heading up to Twin Peaks will give you a view of every part of the SF Bay for most of the evening’s firework shows. As with most places, you will not be alone, and parking, as well as the short climb up, will be tricky. The view, however, will be spectacular.

Bernal Heights Park — A long, uphill stroll at the end of Folsom, Bernal Heights Park is a good alternative for those who want to avoid the crowds as much as possible (not that we’re promising it is). The fireworks will not be close up, but you will be able to see multiple shows at once. Added bonus:the sound will most likely be muffled enough that you can bring four legged friends and your little ones.

Wherever you end up, make sure you get your fill of brews, bbq, and baseball before heading out for the night. As always, stay warm and stay safe San Francisco. Happy 4th of July!